My CRM Story

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My CRM Story

by Adam
(Texas)

I was really having trouble deciding on a CRM solution. I am running a one person consulting practice out of my home. I use Outlook as my e-mail client and I will be using QuickBooks for my accounting software.

I really like some of the new technologies that currently exist such as - sales process automation, trickle marketing campaigns and e-mail intelligence for opened/read marketing e-mails, ect.

Well... I am sorry (embarrassed) to say. I went through a few CRM's. I ended up spending way too much money trying to get it "right." In a nutshell...

Stated with...
MS Business Contact Manager
Reason - free
Opinion - too clumsy. No clean integration with QuickBooks.
Result - dumped it

Next...
TeamScope
Reason - tight integration with Outlook
Opinion - good product, UI is outdated, support is terrible and expensive,
does not play nice with other Outlook plug-ins.
Result - dumped it

Next...
Maximizer
Reason - integration with Outlook & QuickBooks, decent UI, a real database
backend
Opinion - good product, steep learning curve, weak Outlook integration,
support is great
Result - took too long to ramp-up... Dumped it

Next...
Prophet CRM
Reason - tight integration with Outlook
Opinion - good product, UI is clean, support is good, plays nice with other
Outlook plug-ins, I wish it had a more robust functionality.
Result - I KEPT THIS ONE. ;-) It does not have everything I would like.
But, it works well with Outlook and keeps to the KISS principle.

This is probably more than you wanted to hear... But, you asked. ;-)

Thanks,
Adam

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My CRM Story

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Dec 03, 2009
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1 out of 3 Pillars of CRM Success
by: Piaras

Adam,

Interesting CRM journey and I sympathize with your search for the right CRM tool.

May I suggest you look at the 3 sides of CRM as a whole: Technology (tools), People and Process.

Given it's just you for now we can ignore the People. Have a look at how you approach CRM with your clients and what you are trying to achieve.

Do you have a consistent way of doing your routine tasks e.g. taking/making a call, meetings, invoicing, etc. You can expect the technology to reduce the time and effort but it will always need the "how" defined and repeatable.

Good luck with you next CRM tool!

Dec 03, 2009
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re Wise CRM Advice
by: Anonymous

Hi Piaras,

Good to have you back again!

Sensible, concise advice you have for Adam. Yes, defining the processes plays a major part in the success or not of your CRM. It might help expose it, but a CRM is certainly not going to be a remedy for poor processes.

You have had an interesting journey too, by all accounts. Never mind double-dipping, like Adam you have been multi-dipping?! Would love to hear more about it sometime.

Best,
Perry

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